15 Jul 2013

NZDF deploys to Kiribati

7:24 pm on 15 July 2013

A New Zealand Defence Force deployment to Kiribati has begun at the weekend.

The army personnel will assist in the disposal of live ammunition left after the World War II 1943 Battle of Tarawa on the reef and the refurbishment of the 'Friendship' bridge.

They will also conduct a hydrographic survey of the Port at Betio as well as renovate an accommodation block at the Kiribati Teachers College and two classroom blocks at the King George V & Elaine Bernacchi High School.

New Zealand's High Commissioner to Kiribati, Mike Walsh says the presence of Defence Force personnel in Tarawa is part of the Pacific Partnership programme to complement New Zealand's development support for the Pacific Island nation.

Radio Kiribati reports that NZDF personnel will be in Tarawa from until the 26th of July.